QUESTION OF THE WEEK >> Has the time come to legally light a joint and inhale deeply without fear of penalties?

Or is pot a detrimental, mind-altering drug ripe for abuse?

That’s at the heart of our question of the week: Should California legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

And it’s one voters are likely to be faced with come November 2016 when proponents of legalization are expected to place a measure on the state ballot.

California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom — a supporter of legalization who has declared his run for governor in 2018 — has led an ACLU-backed commission examining some of the difficult issues of taxation and regulation.

California was the first state to approve the use of marijuana for medical purposes in 1996.

But voters in California rejected a measure in 2010 that would have legalized the herb for all, not just those who use marijuana to treat ailments from cancer to backaches.

Since then, four states — Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon — have approved the recreational use of marijuana.

One of the main arguments propelling support for legalization has been that marijuana offenses disproportionately affected African Americans and Latinos.

One question is whether that will factor into the electorate’s thinking about marijuana legalization. Does it make a difference?

A recent poll by the Public Policy Institute found 55 percent of voters want to eliminate the prohibition. Are you one of them? Why?

What is your biggest objection? Is it the effects on children? Worried about public intoxication? Or do you think it’s a gateway drug?

What’s the upside to lifting the ban on bud? More public revenue? Creating more jobs? Or how about raising the quality of life?

Email your thoughts to opinion@langnews.com. Please include your full name and city or community of residence. Provide a daytime phone number. Or, if you prefer, share your views in the comments section that accompanies this article online.